Gregory S Shanbour, DDS in Oklahoma City: Surgical Dentistry with Sedation Options

Gregory S Shanbour, DDS, is an oral surgeon in Oklahoma City who performs tooth extractions, implant placement, and orthognathic procedures with access to multiple sedation options. The practice operates as a referral-based surgical practice rather than a general dentistry office, making it a destination for complex cases and patients whose general dentists direct them for extraction or implant work.

What Gregory S Shanbour, DDS Actually Is

Oral surgery differs from general dentistry in scope and skill level. While a general dentist manages routine cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions, an oral surgeon handles impacted wisdom teeth, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and reconstructive jaw surgery. Shanbour's practice focuses on these higher-complexity procedures. The practice accepts referrals from other dentists across Oklahoma City and sees self-referred patients as well, meaning you can schedule a consultation even if your general dentist hasn't sent you.

Services and Sedation Options

Common procedures at an oral surgery practice include:

Tooth Extractions: Wisdom teeth (impacted or erupted), teeth damaged beyond restoration, and teeth requiring removal before implant or orthodontic work.

Dental Implants: Implant placement is a surgical procedure separate from the restorative crown work that follows. Shanbour handles placement; your general dentist or prosthodontist typically restores the crown later.

Bone Grafting: When jawbone has resorbed or is insufficient for implants, bone graft material is added to rebuild volume.

Orthognathic Surgery: Surgical correction of jaw alignment when the bite is severely misaligned and braces alone cannot fix it.

Sedation options typically include local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Sedation level affects cost and recovery time. Local anesthesia with nitrous oxide is lowest cost and involves minimal recovery; IV sedation allows deeper relaxation; general anesthesia is used for major procedures or highly anxious patients and requires an escort home and recovery time. Pricing varies significantly by procedure and sedation type. Consultation with the office is required to obtain a specific quote, as extraction costs differ from implant placement, and bone grafting adds to the base fee.

Comparing Shanbour to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery practices. Shanbour is one option alongside other board-certified or trained oral surgeons in the area. When choosing among oral surgeons:

Ask about sedation protocols: Does the practice administer IV sedation in-office, or must you go to an outpatient surgical center? In-office IV sedation is typically faster and cheaper than facility-based sedation.

Confirm implant experience and volume: Implant placement outcomes depend partly on the surgeon's experience. Ask how many implants the practice places annually.

Verify insurance participation: Oral surgery is often covered under dental insurance with a separate deductible or different coverage tier than general dentistry. Shanbour's office can verify benefits, but calling ahead prevents surprise costs.

Check wait times: Some practices book 3–4 weeks out; others have emergency slots. If you need prompt care, ask directly.

Evaluate referral relationships: If your general dentist works regularly with Shanbour, communication is likely smoother, and the dentist may have familiarity with the surgeon's outcomes.

Who This Practice Suits

Shanbour is appropriate for patients whose general dentists refer them for extractions or implants, patients with impacted wisdom teeth, and patients seeking implant surgery. It suits people comfortable with surgical procedures and those for whom multiple sedation options matter. Patients with severe anxiety may find IV sedation or general anesthesia helpful.

This practice does not provide general dentistry (cleanings, fillings, preventive care). If you need a routine checkup, see your general dentist first.

What the First Visit Involves

Most oral surgery first visits are consultations. Bring any imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or photographs) from your referring dentist. The surgeon will review your medical history, examine the surgical site, discuss the procedure and sedation options, and provide a treatment plan and cost estimate. If you proceed, surgery may be scheduled for a later date, or it may occur the same day if the practice has availability and you choose appropriate sedation. Plan to have someone drive you home if sedation is used.

Hours and Logistics

Verify current hours by calling or checking the website. Oral surgery practices often accommodate work schedules with early or late appointments. Parking and office location also matter; confirm ease of access before your appointment, especially if you will be sedated and require someone to pick you up.

Gregory S Shanbour, DDS, serves Oklahoma City patients who need surgical tooth removal or implant placement by a trained specialist. If your general dentist has recommended an oral surgeon or you have a complex extraction or implant need, direct contact with Shanbour's office will clarify whether the practice is a fit for your case and timeline.